Winnipeg, MB – Residents are advised to avoid all non-essential travel within the city. Roads may be slippery as a result of snow, ice, and wet foliage. If you need to travel, motorists are advised to:
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for downed trees or damaged power lines that have fallen as a result of high winds or ice accumulation
- Choose an alternate route if your path is blocked by a tree on the road
- Use caution when driving near first responders, City of Winnipeg or Manitoba Hydro crews
- Stay Back, Stay Safe from heavy equipment that is working
There are currently seven traffic signal intersection outages across the City that crews are actively working to resolve. When approaching an intersection without operating traffic signals, treat it as a four-way stop and use extreme caution.
Crews continue to plow main streets, collector streets, bus routes and their sidewalks, and are addressing trouble spots on all streets and lanes. Salting operations are ongoing where needed to improve traction on roadways.
Snow clearing and salting operations are undertaken in accordance with the Council-approved Snow Clearing and Ice Control Policy.
Downed Trees
Approximately 50 crews continue to clear and remove downed trees and fallen branches city-wide, focusing efforts on priority locations where branches or trees are blocking streets. The City has received nearly 2,000 calls to 311 about fallen trees and branches.
Residents are advised that if a tree is in contact with a power line, to call 911 immediately. If it’s blocking the street, but isn’t touching a power line, residents are advised to call 311. If a tree on public property has fallen, but not touching a power line or blocking the road, contact 311 online.
Trees or branches that have failed are the responsibility of the property owner to clean up; however, residents are advised to contact 911 if the tree is in contact with a power line.
Transit Impacts
Due to inclement weather conditions, Winnipeg Transit is currently experiencing delays. Residents are reminded to check their schedules before heading out, and to allow additional time to get to their destinations.
Community Services Update
All City-run recreation facilities and libraries remain closed today, with all programming and bookings cancelled. All facilities will reopen with regular operating hours on Sunday.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Updates
Response times are being monitored and additional resources will be placed on duty if necessary.
Since Thursday morning at 7 a.m., the WFPS has responded to over 870 service calls for problems related to hydro lines, including three structure fires. WFPS has experienced more than double its normal call volume over the past 24 hours, receiving over 1,024 of calls for assistance in that span.
WFPS continues to work collaboratively with Manitoba Hydro to answer any power and utility line calls.
The WFPS is postponing station open houses previously scheduled for today until Saturday, October 19.
Residents can assist in keeping their families safe by reviewing winter safety tips and emergency preparedness tips at City of Winnipeg - EmergWeb.
Garbage & Recycling Collection
Residents who have downed trees blocking road access to their recycling, garbage and yard waste should call 311 to report their downed tree and missed collection.
If your carts or yard waste were not collected as scheduled yesterday, please put them out again this morning. Collection of carts and yard waste have resumed today.
311 Call Volumes
The City’s 311 call centre is experiencing higher than normal call volumes. As of 10:00 a.m., 311 had 344 calls waiting with an average wait time of approximately 1 hour, 25 minutes.
We greatly appreciate callers’ patience as 311 works on responding to all calls for service, and ask that if your issue is non-urgent please email 311@winnipeg.ca or tweet @cityofwinnipeg. Your request will still be prioritized and dealt with through email and Twitter.